The California grape market is settling down now after prices were very high at the start of the season. Growers blamed slow movement early on due to the abundance of cherries still in the market when the grape season began. The cherry season has now finished for the most part, resulting in an increase in grape movement and a drop from the high prices.
"We were off to a slow start and the markets have been fair," observed Brian Crettol of Delano-based grower and shipper Jasmine Vineyards. "Supplies were low and prices were high because retailers were not running any ads. There were so many cherries on the market that promotional attention was placed on them. We saw an increase in cherries on the local market as many that would have been destined for China were instead sold domestically because of the tariff situation. Now that the cherry deal has largely been cleaned up, retailers are promoting grapes again, stimulating movement and bringing grape FOBs back to normal levels."
Transitioning to mid season grapes
The focus is now turning to the mid season grapes. Many of them will be coming online progressively over the next few weeks. For Jasmine Vineyards, they are currently harvesting Flame and Scarlett Royals and are just starting on their Sweet Celebration grapes next week. According to Crettol, after a slightly late start, growing conditions have been good and the crop is not presenting any issues or surprises.
"Here in Delano, there was a bit of a late start but harvest is now progressing as nature intended," he said. "We are now transitioning from our early to mid season grapes. Sweet Celebration - which is one variety that Jasmine Vineyards is known for - is a crisp, oval-shaped red seedless grape and we are just starting on those next week. We are the largest grower of the Sweet Celebration which have a brilliant red color and a wonderful flavor. In the next few weeks, harvesting will commence on Summer Crunch, a green variety, as well as Sweet Globe, Great Green and Scarlett Royals. Later, we will begin shipping Autumn King in the Fall."
500g packs (top) and 125g heat-sealed bags (bottom)
Jasmine Vineyards debuts heat-sealed packaging
In a first for the company, Jasmine Vineyards began packing grapes in heat-sealed bags last Thursday. Presented as an alternative to pouch bags, the heat-sealed, standup bags come in several weight options, including a new snack size one. The bags are designed with a tear-away top and can be resealed.
"We have just begun packing into our new heat-sealed bags," shared Crettol. "The sizes include a 500g heat-sealed bag, as well as a 125g bag. Called 'GrapesToGo', these are perfect for healthy snacking on the go, for example to take to work or to school. Jasmine Vineyards has already used some of these sealed bags overseas in New Zealand the last few years, and consumers seem to like them."
For more information:
Brian Crettol
Jasmine Vineyards
Tel: +1 (661) 792-2141